Complex Commercial Litigation Partner Mark Klapow Joins Crowell & Moring, Strengthens Trade Secrets Capabilities

WASHINGTON, March 30, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Crowell & Moring LLP is pleased to announce the addition of partner Mark A. Klapow to the firm's Litigation Group. Based in the Washington, D.C. office, Klapow is a proven litigator who focuses his practice on cases involving intellectual property, antitrust and business torts. Klapow leads clients through all phases of complex commercial litigation, from serving as a strategic advisor on litigation strategy to shepherding cases through to verdict. Klapow will be joined by two additional talented litigators, associates Lucy Jewett Wheatley and Christie L. Stahlke. The three attorneys join from Howrey LLP.

"Mark will further deepen Crowell & Moring's complex litigation bench. He is a first-class trial and appellate lawyer, with an incredible entrepreneurial spirit, who has acquired an exceptional amount of stand-up experience in a relatively short period of time. His significant courtroom skills complement our firm well, providing additional depth and resources for our clients in high-stakes litigation matters," said Kathleen Taylor Sooy, national chair of the firm's Litigation Group.

As a highly skilled commercial litigator, Klapow is a recognized leader in handling cases involving trade secrets and also has substantial experience with supplier, franchise, and distribution litigation. He has successfully represented Fortune 500 clients in petroleum, metals, heavy machinery, and various other industries at hearings, bench and jury trials, and appeals in federal and state courts throughout the country, including the U.S. International Trade Commission in Section 337 cases. Beyond litigation, Klapow has provided a range of counseling to those clients.

"Crowell & Moring's Litigation and Intellectual Property groups work with many of America's leading businesses on bet-the-company litigation matters. They have significantly bolstered their group to make it among the top in the nation, and I am proud to be part of a growing practice that has institutionalized the values of teamwork and client service in such a unique way," said Klapow.

At his prior firm, Klapow served as the Committee Chair for Office Hiring and a leader on the firm's Trade Secrets Task Force. He was also very involved with the firm's summer program and associate development issues. In 2009, 2010 and 2011, Klapow was identified as a "Future Star" by Benchmark: The Definitive guide to America's Leading Litigators. He received his B.A. from Washington University in St. Louis and his J.D., cum laude, from Syracuse University College of Law.

Wheatley, an associate in the firm's Litigation Group, specializes in complex litigation involving franchises and distributors, trademarks, business torts, trade secrets and other commercial issues. She received her B. A. from Rice University and her J.D. from George Mason University School of Law.

Stahlke, an associate in the firm's Litigation and Antitrust groups, focuses her practice on antitrust litigation and merger compliance, as well as complex litigation involving franchises and distributors, business torts, false patent marking claims, and other commercial litigation matters. She received her B.A. from University of California, Berkeley and her J.D., cum laude, from American University Washington College of Law.

In addition to the new attorneys, Crowell has also brought on three former members of Howrey's professional staff who will support a range of litigation and other matters.

Crowell & Moring LLP is an international law firm with nearly 500 lawyers representing clients in litigation and arbitration, regulatory, and transactional matters. The firm is internationally recognized for its representation of Fortune 500 companies in high-stakes litigation, as well as its ongoing commitment to pro bono service and diversity. The firm has offices in Washington, D.C., New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Orange County, Anchorage, London, and Brussels. Visit Crowell & Moring online at www.crowell.com.

Contact: Jessica O'Neil
(202) 508-8750
[email protected]

SOURCE Crowell & Moring LLP